Sunday, October 25, 2009

Yeah Timaya is back! The self-acclaimed Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa just dropped a new single titled "Plantain Boy."

Sticking to his self-appraisal style, Timaya takes listeners back to his humble beginning when he sold plantain for his mother before music brought him fame and fortune. He also emphasizes on how much his life has changed, how rich he is now and how thankful to God he is for His blessings stressing that even though he his now well-to-do, he remains that humble plantain seller.

This is the first official single off his forthcoming album, the follow-up to "The Gift and The Grace". Although "The Gift and The Grace" album was a success, Timaya has been plagued with issues ranging from his church brawl with estranged girlfriend Empress Njamah to public spats made at him by fellow artistes like Nico Gravity (who directed a diss track titled "I wan Finish Timaya" at him) and African China (who made negative comments about him on radio). He's been criticized for his self-appraisal style and repetitive lyrics from various quarters.

Da-rey, Kefee, Bracket, Sound Sultan & M.I. lead the list of nominees for this year's NMVAs. This year's edition will be held November 1 at the Expo Hall Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos, Nigeria. The theme for this year's award is 'Music Edifies, .Play Responsibly'. The co-ordinator of the awards is Cally Ikpe, who is part of the production team behind Live Beats, which is till date is the longest running music programme in Nigeria. Live Beats is behind this year's NMVA's.

Please be informed that this online voting process only forms a part of the judgement criteria, our panel of judges would still vet all votes and they decide the eventual winners. The voting process has been made an open ballot for transparency purpose,but the poll results as displayed doesn't necessarily grantee automatic victory for any nominee in all of the categories.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Multiple award winning Alapomeji recording artist 9ice has officially dropped the first single off his upcoming album "TRADITION". The single titled "GBAMU GBAMU" is one of the many hit songs recorded by 9ice. The album which has been tagged "the most anticipated album of 2009" features hit track after hit track, no instrumentals and no skits.

A fusion of proverbial lyrics in his mother tongue (Yoruba), a danceable tune, and a unique style that is known to belong to 9ice, Gbamu Gbamu gives a brief insight of what to expect from TRADITION. In Gbamu Gbamu, 9ice sings about how happy and content he is with his life, career, music and achievements. To start off the first verse it is clear he wants to audience to get up and dance as he tells them to put on their dancing shoes, and move their waistline while getting their groove on. He gives us a brief background history by stating matter of factly that if you want to know his "trick", go back and ask for "omo Iya Agba ni oke aro" telling us in essence that, he may be 9ice but he has not forgotten his roots.

The track which was produced by ID Cabasa, is clearly a 9ice track and just the tip of the iceberg on what to expect on Tradition. Not leaving out his usual style of teaching and inspiring the listener through his music, 9ice makes statements such as “Ti oju Ba farabale a ri imu” ( a lesson in patience), and “Ifa Fani Lapo Ya, ore ma ma mu yo” ( a lesson about greed).

9ice, who is one of Nigeria’s hottest megastars and one of the youngest connoisseurs of our traditions, proves without a doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. And as he said in Gbamu Gbamu, "as you pose, na so you go show", you just cant fake real talent.

Nigeria’s King of R&B Darey Art Alade has packed six nominations for the 3rd Nigerian Music Video Awards, making him the highest nominee this year.

The bestselling musician who was recently announced winner for the Best RNB Video at the SMVA in August 2009, has been nominated in the category of Best RNB video, Best Afro pop video, Best Use of Costume, Best Use of Choreography, Video of the year and Best Producer in a music video (Soul Muzik)

The 2009 NMVA organized by Callivision Network is scheduled to hold on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Expo hall, Eko Hotel

Soul Muzik is glad that finally they are getting the recognition barely a year after they hit the Nigerian Music scene. ‘It is all good. We are glad we are gradually getting recognized even though the journey is still long” a member of the Soul Muzik team disclosed after the nominees list was released last week.

Recall that Darey is also up for nomination at the upcoming 2009 Channel O awards in the Best Gifted Male and Best RNB Video category .“ I owe it all to my team at Soul Muzik and all the beautiful musicians, producers and directors I worked with on the ‘Undareyted’ album” Darey says.

Undareyted, the second album from Darey which so far has earned 12 awards nominations was released in Nigeria on March 31, 2009. His first international album is already completed with a US release in the works.

Few months after her clergy man took her to the altar, remarried Nollywood legend, Elizabeth Benson, may have signalled her strong desire to return to her first love, acting.

HVP reliably gathered that Liz is warming up to return to Nollywood as soon as possible.

An insider source confirmed to HVP that the screen idol has already started making contacts in order to return to the industry, which she reportedly abandoned some years back.

Liz Benson got married again in an intimate court ceremony in Abuja a few months ago. In July, she and her man, Bishop Great Emeya, celebrated their love by walking down the aisle at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State. The couple are both deeply involved in Christian ministry.

Liz is an evangelist while Bishop Great is a pastor of one of the largest ministries in Warri. They also have overcome tragic circumstances as Liz is a widow while Bishop Great is a widower. Their wedding marked a turning point in the lives of the couple.

Reports had it that the 49 year-old man allegedly met Liz in the course of doing God’s work. Their relationship however moved from friendship to the altar, now husband and wife.

A recipient of the movie awards, THEMA, and the Reel Awards at different times, Liz Benson is one of the pioneer actresses in Nigeria who brought glamour and respect to the acting profession.

She has also been honoured outside Nigeria at several times. Liz was a past recipient of the Afro-Hollywood Awards in the United States of America. Her great performances in the past have been regularly acknowledged and rewarded by both industry practitioners and watchers .

The deluge of awards and accolades with which she has been showered and continues to receive is vivid testimony to the high esteem in which she is held by all.

As she returns to Nollywood, expectations are high as questions are being asked, regarding what role she will be assigned to, given the fact that many of her contemporaries are presently not in the picture, with the emergence of vibrant looking, yet pretty young faces. Good luck our Lizzy!

Multiple award winning Alapomeji recording artist 9ice has officially dropped the first single off his upcoming album "TRADITION". The single titled "GBAMU GBAMU" is one of the many hit songs recorded by 9ice. The album which has been tagged "the most anticipated album of 2009" features hit track after hit track, no instrumentals and no skits.

A fusion of proverbial lyrics in his mother tongue (Yoruba), a danceable tune, and a unique style that is known to belong to 9ice, Gbamu Gbamu gives a brief insight of what to expect from TRADITION.

The duo of Peter and Paul Okoye have announced that their new album has recorded over a million sales in less than three weeks of its release. The album, titled ‘Danger’ was released on the 15th of September into the Nigerian market for sales.

Their manager, Jude Okoye, said, “We waited for four days after the official press brief before releasing it. The reason we did that was because we wanted to release 600, 000 copies at a go. We monitored the sales and kept calling our marketer to know the response it was getting. By the 8th day, over a million units had been pushed.”

Measuring the success against that of their third album, ‘Game Over’ which was recorded to have gone platinum also, the twins said they were not surprised about the sales but were rather disappointed. “We actually expected to cross over a million sales by the 4th day. ‘Game Over’ made a million in six days and we wanted to beat that record. Unfortunately, ‘Danger’ dragged until the 8th day,’ Jude explained while his brothers affirmed.

When the issue of actual statistics was raised, the group’s publicist, Sesan Adeniji said it was easy for one to estimate the sale of an art work. He said, “Most album sleeves are printed in Shomolu and that is where my office is.

At first 600, 000 sleeves were printed, then another 300,000, followed by 200, 000. And it’s since continued like that.” Peter added by reminding that for a marketer to admit having sold a huge figure, he (the marketer) realizes the consequence because it influences the royalties he will be paying them (owners of the work).

‘Danger’ is marketed in Nigeria by CN Media and is the fourth album of pop group P-Square..By Lolade Sowoolu

Saturday, October 3, 2009

It was an evening of quality music, dance and superlative entertainment as popular Nigerian act, Obiora Obiwon performed fresh tunes at the launch of his anticipated sophomore album, “The Rebirth”.

The album soon revealed itself to be an eclectic mix of contemporary gospel and r’n’b as earlier indicated by the artiste. In 2008, Obiwon made several references to a deep spiritual experience and the addition of gospel themes to his style.

Upbeat ballad and first single off the album “Obi Mu O” also rose in 2009 to become one of year’s favourite hits.

Guest artistes, Alibaba and Yaw had the audience reeling in laughter with their comedic lines while Segun Obe, Rooftop MCs, Jahdiel, Eva, Kani, and Bracket of “Yori Yori” fame also ensured it was a memorable musical night for the celebrities and fans in attendance.

Guests also went home with free copies of the album which finally hit stores in Nigeria, yesterday, Friday October 2, via Obaino Music Distribution.

A visibly excited Obiwon had this to say: “We’re elated having come thus far. We really took our time to do this (the album) and we’re hoping the fans appreciate it for the excellence we’ve strived to achieve. We’re now off to promote the album and do the videos.”

When President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua revealed his Seven Point Agenda in his inaugural speech May 29, 2007 it would never have occurred to him what one hilarious citizen called, ‘Godwin Komone,’ and baptized, ‘Gordons,’ will make of his plan, three days after Nigeria’s 49th Independence Celebrations.

But the President must face this because on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at Sheraton Hotel and in Nigeria’s capital city, Gordons would publicly lend a comic voice to the much debated agenda – and Abuja residents can’t wait to chuckle at whatever his hilarious side of the discuss would be.

“The Show is not just going to be like any other comedy show,” the dark comedian assures. “We want to address pressing issues with so much humour; we want people to laugh and also take something home. As comedians, we have moved from the level of being funny to being Social Commentators. I believe with this comedy show we should be able to interlink reality into hilarity.

“I have a passion to also talk to government, and talk to people from all walks of life, and that’s what will happen on the forth of October. So, I envisage a comedy event where all acts on stage will say something about the Seven Point Agenda.”

Stella Damacus-Nzeribe has assured to be her dazzling and comic best as she comperes the event alongside Ghana’s luminary actor, Van Vicker. Together, they will bring a touch of Nollywood into Gordons debut Live Comedy show, which has Dare Art-Alade, J-Maritns, Samsung, Kefee, Jesse Jaggs, Clever Jay, and Duncan Mighty on the bill.

cfAli Baba, predictably, leads Basket mouth, Julius Agwu, I Go Dye on the funny slide, while Okey Bakkasi, Gandoki, AY and Youngest Oldman are other funny bones expected at the show promoted by Yankee Entertainment – Abuja’s number one Showbiz Promoters.

From Gordons’ point of view, “Mr. President has not publicized the Agenda well enough. Elsewhere in developed nations, Governments try out new ideas with comedians. When they talk about it, the government measures the reaction of their citizens, and they know what next to do.”

“I want to use this comedy show to talk about Yar Adua’s 7 point Agenda,” he stresses in conclusion. “ The Show will be recorded, and sold on VCD’s. That means when people buy and watch the show at home, they will understand the Agenda better. Since the government is not considering that, we want to show the example – if we don’t do that, who will?”

On December 7, 2008, Cross River born Iyanya was announced winner at the debut edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa, thus becoming the first winner to ever emerge from the West African series of the globally renowned reality TV platform.

And now, after an interesting year, recording with TY Mix, OJB, K solo, Wazbeat, performing across the length and breadth of Nigeria and enjoying his status as one of the country’s fastest- rising talents, the handsome singer is now finally ready to hit the streets with his debut album.

This Sunday October 4, he will host select guests at the Ultima Studio, in Omole, Lagos- the same place he was announced winner at Project Fame 2008.

His album will feature contributions from DJ Zeez, Faze, MI and Bokwilla and production contributions from TY Mix and K Solo.

The album title and full track listing will be revealed at the Sunday event.Fresh from performing at the New York Fashion festival on September 13 2009, Iyanya dished out a fantastic performance at the MTN Project Fame season 2 finals on Saturday September 26, 2009. Already, two new singles of the album titled ‘Shaye’ (featuring Zeez), and ‘Love Truly’ are enjoying rare newspaper reviews and heavy rotation on radio stations across the continent.

The Sunday event tagged ‘Symphony of Iyanya’ will not only serve as an album and video premiere, but also a concert with performances from Iyanya and a few of his friends.

Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk discovered his talents for singing during his childhood while singing in the church. He later started singing at weddings and then got an offer to perform regularly at Channel view Hotel Calabar.

He is a graduate of Business Management from the University of Calabar.

Friday, October 2, 2009

The world premiere of Kunle Afolayan’s latest movie, The Figurine, will hold on October 2, 2009, at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos.

Though there will be an advanced screening of the movie on October 1 to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day anniversary, the film will open simultaneously on October 2 at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, The Palms, Lekki; Ozone Cinemas, E-Centre, Yaba and Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island.

The film would also be premiered in Abuja on October 8, Port Harcourt on October 9 and at the Odeon Cinemas, London, on October 17 Sustaining Nollywood.

Speaking after a press screening of the movie on Thursday, September 17, Afolayan added that The Figurine would also be premiered on soon-to-be-announced dates in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and the United States.

The filmmaker, who left his job as a banker to produce his first movie, Irapada, a couple of years ago, said The Figurine, which features Ramsey Nouah, Omoni Oboli, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Jide Kosoko, Wale Adebayo and the renowned Iragbiji, Osun State based artist; Muraina Oyelami who makes a special appearance, took three months to shoot in locations within and outside Nigeria.

He also disclosed that though he has spent N50million naira on the film, he is still spending more to complete the post-production work.

Afolayan explained that he chose the box office instead of releasing the movie straight into the market like some Nollywood film producers do because “We want to guide against piracy and help sustain a distribution framework. We are putting up a platform for distribution so it can run its natural course.” Group endorsement Earlier, the general managers of Genesis, Ozone and Silverbird cinemas where the movie would be screened, endorsed The Figurine. Kene Mkparu of Genesis Deluxe Cinemas who anchored the event said “If you have seen Irapada, this film is a 100 times better.”

General Manager of Ozone Cinemas, Patrick Lee, said he was glad Afolayan followed in the steps of great filmmakers like the late Hubert Ogunde and his late father, Ade Afolayan, known as Ade Love. He said the cinemas in Nigeria “are ready to give backing to Nollywood”, adding that “This industry will go global.”

He urged everybody to support Afolayan because producing movies has been his lifelong dream.”It took me less than five minutes to say we will work with him when he approached us with the film. It took me five minutes to appreciate The Figurine”, began Uwem Jacob of Silverbird Cinemas.

Jacob, who disclosed that the Silverbird’s distributor in South Africa is also interested in the movie also said “Nigeria has produced a movie that can compete with Hollywood.”

A thriller, The Figurine is about two friends, Femi (Ramsey Nouah) and Sola (Kunle Afolayan) who discover a carved artwork in the forest

while serving in Araromire village. Against Femi’s advice, Sola picks up the mysterious artwork, which bestows good luck on him.

He becomes a successful man with a happy family, but the story changes suddenly after seven years. Things go awry and the two friends and Mona, Sola’s wife, have to contend against unseen forces to get their lives back on track

Akon is the latest US superstar to sign up for the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) with Zain. The Senegalese-American multi-platinum artist and producer is set to headline at the 2009 MAMA Awards in Nairobi, Kenya on 10 October, performing alongside Fugees’ alumnus Wyclef Jean and a host of Africa’s most celebrated contemporary artists including Wahu, M.I., Samini and Lira.

A six-time Grammy-nominated artist/producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, celebrated for his mesmerising vocal talent, haunting lyrics and extrovert personality, Akon has been making waves around the globe since he first hit the music scene in 2004 with his debut album “Trouble”, which reached #1 in the Billboard charts.

With worldwide sales of over 7 million albums, certified gold and platinum status in over 23 countries, Akon is one of the most influential voices in music today.

In addition to having two multi-platinum albums and 25 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, Akon has over 160 guest appearances with artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, and Gwen Stefani to his credit.

He is also the founder and CEO of two successful record labels, an R&B/hip-hop label Konvict Muzik, which has prepped releases for the likes of T-Pain and Asher Roth; and his newest label Kon Live Distribution, a joint venture with Interscope-Geffen-A&M, whose roster include Lady Gaga, Kardinal Offishall, Colby O’Donis, and UK rapper Sway. Akon’s highly acclaimed third studio album Freedom (Upfront/Konvict/SRC/Universal Motown) was released in December 2008 and he is already back in the studio prepping a new album for release in early 2010.

Additionally, Akon has successfully launched Konvict Clothing, an affordable street wear collection and will debut Aliaune, an international upscale men’s clothing line later this year Akon’s youth focused charity, the Konfidence Foundation, which concentrates its efforts on helping underserved African youth, has broadened its reach and developed community-based programmes in the US as well.

Commented Akon, ‘Africa is my heart. I feel especially blessed to finally be able to perform in Kenya and am honoured that MTV and Zain asked me to be a part of such an incredible event.’

Gently swaying palm trees, the balmy sea breeze and idyllic beach setting are totally in sync with the reggae culture and music. Ahead of the first edition of Singapore Reggae Festival, different artistes across the continent had been selected to perform at the event scheduled to take place in Singapore on November 28th 2009 .

It is actually interesting to note that fast rising Nigerian acts like Steel and Gxpoits who recently released their debut albums are part of the artistes billed to perform on the stage at this international concert which is already generating a very high level of interest from neighbouring countries planning to attend the event.

Singapore Reggae Festival is a music fest that will showcase seasoned reggae acts from different parts of the world, including Jamaica , UK , Asia and Africa .

The event, originally scheduled for 17th October 2009 , will now take place on 28th November, 2009 at Siloso Beach , Sentosa Island. The first-ever Singapore Reggae Festival is a one day- extravaganza with an adrenalin flowing live music concert from 8.pm till 6.am the next morning.

Aside from the diverse and talented International reggae artistes lined up, Mrs. Rita Marley- the wife of the musical prophet, the Late Bob Marley, is the reggae ambassador of the night.

She will be doing a tribute performance in unison with the other artistes based on the legendary song, One Love. Reggae fans from all over the region and beyond will be flocking to this event to embrace Mrs. Rita Marley’s singing and presence of warmth and love.

There will also be a half hour musical tribute to celebrate the 64th birthday of Bob Marley.

Honoured with the prestigious United Nations award as Young Ambassador for Peace, Kefee is greatly armed with a warm spirit, a tender and thankful heart and a desire for everyone she comes in contact with to have the same experience.

A prolific song writer, a skilled dancer and a passionate singer. An artiste whose music is not only encouraging but inspiring and motivating. Kefee’s European tour which begins early next month is aimed at offering vibrant music lovers the opportunity to relax with quality and electrifying live entertainment.

There will also be appearances from other talented musicians during the tour which will take her to Britain, Belgium and other countries.

Born to Deacon and Mrs. Andrew Obareki in Sapele, Delta State. She started singing at an early age in the children choir, ever since, she has been transformed from one glory to another.

Kefee, the Branama Queen studied Public Administration at the University of Benin, Edo State. By this time she had already written well over 20 songs and had a greater passion for music.

In 2000, she playfully composed and released an album entitled Trip with a friend; the album was a success and got them shows alongside artiste likes Tony Tetuila, Plantation Boyz and a long list of others.

The album gained some recognition as the videos where the talk of the town in Benin, being the first female group to break off from the usual approach, the two friends parted after school but Kefee did not give up.

In December 2003 she signed on with Alec Music and released her first solo album as a female artiste. Kefee’s Branama sold 9,000 audio cassettes in just three weeks of the album release and over two million copies of CDs/VCDs in a month.